Vietnamese Grilled Chicken Bowls
Savory-sweet grilled chicken, fragrant jasmine rice, and crisp quick-pickled cucumber make a fresh Vietnamese-inspired dinner for late-summer evenings.
- Total time: 50 min
- Servings: 2 servings
- Estimated total cost: $10
- Calories per serving: 670 cal
- Grill
- Stovetop
Ingredients
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Boneless skinless chicken thighs1 pound $5.99
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Organic jasmine Thai white rice3/4 cup $4.49
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Slicing cucumber1 large (about 12 ounces) $0.99
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Lime1 medium (1 teaspoon zest and 2 tablespoons juice), divided $0.69
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Cilantro1/2 cup loosely packed, divided $1.19
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Green onions2, divided $1.39
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Garlic2 cloves
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Fish sauce1 tablespoon
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Light brown sugar1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon, divided
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Neutral cooking oil1 tablespoon
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Unseasoned rice vinegar1 tablespoon
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Crushed red pepper flakes1/4 teaspoon
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Diamond Crystal kosher salt1 3/4 teaspoons, divided
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Water1 cup
Instructions
Swipe a step aside or click its number when it’s done.
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Preheat a grill to medium-high, about 425°F. Finely chop 2 garlic cloves, roughly chop 1/2 cup cilantro, thinly slice 2 green onions, and thinly slice 1 large cucumber; keep each separate.
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Pat 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs dry. In a bowl, combine:
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil
- 2 finely chopped garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Add the chicken, turn to coat, and marinate for 15 minutes while preparing the rice and cucumber.
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Rinse 3/4 cup jasmine rice until the water runs mostly clear. Combine the rice in a small saucepan with 1 cup water and 1/2 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, cover, and cook over low heat for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat, rest covered for 10 minutes, then fluff.
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Toss the sliced cucumber with 3/4 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt and let stand for 10 minutes. Rinse well under cold water, drain, and gently squeeze dry. Toss the cucumber with:
- 1 tablespoon unseasoned rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 sliced green onion
Set the quick-pickled cucumber aside.
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Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Grill the thighs with the smooth side down for 5 to 6 minutes, then turn and grill for 4 to 6 minutes more, until lightly charred and the thickest piece reaches 175°F. Transfer to a board and rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
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Divide the jasmine rice between two bowls and top with the sliced grilled chicken and quick-pickled cucumber. Finish with 1/4 cup chopped cilantro and 1 sliced green onion.
Want more detail? See the temperature guide.
Drink pairing: An off-dry Riesling balances the fish sauce, lime, chile, and smoky grilled chicken.